Hacking isnโt just a great way to break up your routine โ itโs also packed with amazing benefits for both you and your horse! Here are our 10 reasons why we love it!
- Peace and relaxation
Switching off from everyday life can be tough, but taking your horse out for a hack is a great way to unwind โ whether youโre riding through the forest, across the common or along quiet lanes. Thereโs something truly calming about plodding along, soaking up the scenery and listening to the rhythmic clip-clop of your horseโs hooves.
- Building trust
Hacking out and encountering all sorts of spooky obstacles really helps build trust. Your horse learns to rely on your guidance, and you learn to have confidence in your horseโs reactions. Itโs a great way to strengthen your partnership. Itโll come in handy when youโre out at shows too!
- No pressure
Arriving at the yard and knowing you donโt have to nail that perfect dressage move or jump a flawless round can make your shoulders feel instantly lighter. After all, horses are meant to be fun! Whether youโre hacking for fitness or just enjoying a gentle plod, taking the pressure off can make all the difference โ for both you and your horse.
- Perfect time to socialise
Thereโs nothing better than hacking out with friends and enjoying a good natter, providing the perfect opportunity to exercise your horse and socialise with your friends at the same time.
- Views
Whether youโre surrounded by trees, open common land, beaches or hills, hacking out is a great way to admire the scenery โ and snap a few great photos, too! Itโs also a refreshing change from the arena, like hitting the reset button.
- Fitness
Who needs to hire the gallops when you can work on your horseโs fitness levels while out on a hack! The best part is, that youโre enjoying your hack so much that you donโt even think of it as โworkโ for your horse!
- Mental wellbeing
Much like heading out for a walk or run to clear your head and get some fresh air, going for a hack can do wonders for your mental wellbeing โ perhaps even more so. That is, unless your horse decides todayโs the day to be spooked by his own shadow!
- Wildlife
Why is that wildlife seems to let us get that much closer when weโre on a horse? No complaints here of course, riding close to a deer or seeing a bunny hopping along on the path in front of you is truly magical.
- Brain break
Not having to overthink while riding? Count us in! Giving your brain that much-needed break is always a good idea โ and Iโm sure your horse appreciates it too!
- Exploring
No matter how long youโve hacked around the area, there are always new bridleways to explore! It makes hacking so interesting โ you might even come across new views or wildlife along the way.
Photo credit: Jon Stroud
